PRIVATE BILLS.

161

Where the Committee reports favourably the petition is 1st & 2nd
at once presented and leave given to read it a first time. readings.
On a subsequent occasion it is read a second time, and
though at this or any other stage it may be opposed, it is usual
bo refer it without opposition to a Committee. In England Comthe
 Committee on a private bill usually consists of four mittee:
members nominated by a “Committee of Selection” In
Canada a private bill goes before one of the large standing
Committees according to its class. In the House of Commons
 there are four such Committees, (1) Standing Orders,
42 members, (2) Railways, Canals and Telegraph Lines,
136 members, (3) Banking and Commerce, 98 members,
and (4) Miscellaneous Private Bills, 70 members. In the
Senate the Committees are three in number, (1) Standing
Orders and Private Bills. 36 members, (2) Railways, Telegraphs
 and Harbours, 32 members, and (3) Banks and Commerce,
 29 members,
The Committee hears evidence for and against the bill,
following the English practice, and finally makes its report
to the House. If the report is favourable, the bill is read a
third time.
The different stages of a private bill in the Senate In Senate.
are practically the same as those in the Commons, but in
the case of Divorce bills which, in accordance with the Canadian
 practice, are introduced in the Senate, special rules
have been laid down?

1 For a more detailed account of private bill legislation see Burinot,
pp. 584—680.

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